Pedro unsure Milinkovic-Savic would have played in his Barcelona side

Pedro believes Lazio have a ‘new mentality’ this season but is not sure his teammate Sergej Milinkovic-Savic would have played in his Barcelona side: ‘Even Thiago wasn’t playing much.’

The Spanish winger is expected to start in Thursday’s Europa League game against Midtjylland. The Danish team is coached by Albert Capellas, a familiar face for Pedro.

“I know him well, he was a coordinator and coach at Barcelona’s Masia,” said the ex-Chelsea winger.

“He is a good person who likes to play moving the ball quickly, but we want to do well and earn points we need to go ahead in Europa League.

“We’ve made an important step forward. There was not the same mentality last year. We’ve understood Sarri’s ideas and brought great players to reinforce the team.”

Every team has five points in Lazio’s group F, but the Bianconcelesti lost the reverse fixture in Denmark 5-1 last month.

“It’s hard to explain,” noted Pedro. “There are games like this. We conceded twice in 10 minutes and then there was a penalty. There is a different intensity in Europe, the team’s name is not important, and everyone gives 200%.”

Pedro also discussed his future at the club given that his contract runs out in June: “I haven’t spoken to the President or Igli [Tare]. It’s not the right time. We are focused on the season. I feel well here, I am happy with the team and the fans are special.”

What has he learned at Lazio?

“You can learn something everywhere you go. I came here to win, I am ambitious and this is why I am here. Sarri told me that he wanted to win, so he convinced me. I’ve accepted this important challenge, Lazio have a winning history.”

His teammate Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has already contributed to 10 goals in Serie A this season and has probably been the best midfielder in Serie A over the last two seasons. Pedro was asked whether the Serbia international would have played in his Barcelona side, coached by Pep Guardiola.

“It’s hard,” he said, smiling.

“But he is so strong. He is a complete midfielder with a great shoot. However, that Barcelona side had the likes of Busquets, Fabregas, Xavi and Iniesta. Even Thiago Alcantara wasn’t playing much.”